Device for applying ointment to the gums



March 29, 1927. 1,622,616

0. TEMPLE DEVICE FOR APPLYING OINTMENT TO THE GUMS Filed Sept. 25, 1926 gvvueniot 0 fim Ze Patented Mar. 29, 1927.

OLIVES TEMPLE, OF DYERSBURG, TENNESSEE.

DEVICE FOR APPLYING OINTMENT TO THE GUMS.

Application fi1ed September 25, 1926.

This invention relates to a device for applying ointment to the gums when treating pyorrhea or other diseases thereof.

An important object of the invention is to provide a. device of this character wh ch may be very readily and cheaply manufactured and which may be readily shaped to conform to the shaping of the gums of the user.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of this character which may be employed for applying the treatment to both the inner and outer surfaces of the gum at the same time.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a plate including a pair of bars which may be shaped to conform to the shaping of the inner and outer surfaces of the gums and which are connected by readily bendable arms, so that they may be shifted to points where they simultaneously engage the surfaces of the gums.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of this character having means for attaching ointment applying pads there to in such manner that they may be readily removed and replaced.

These and other objects I attain by the construction shown in the accompanying drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodin'ient of my invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is aplan View of the plate constructed in accordance with my invention;

Figure 2 is a front elevation thereof when formed for use in applying the ointment;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the formed plate. Figure 4 is a section on the line l4c of Figure 3.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing, the numerals 10 and 11 designate substantially parallel long and short bars which, when the device is sold to the purchaser, will be arranged in the same plane and substantially parallel to one another. These bars are connected by spaced arms 12 and both the bars and arms are formed from material which is readily bendable and nonresilient. Each bar has adjacent the free edge thereof a series of longitudinally spaced openings 13 through which may be forced portions of tufts 14 of cotton or similar ma terial, so that these tufts will be secured to Serial No. 137,687.

the plate and at the same time may be readily removed therefrom.

In the use of the device, the larger bar 10 is shaped to conform to the shaping of the outer surfaces'of the gums of the user, being simply bent into proper shape by the fingers of the user. The bar 11 is similarly shaped. to fit the inner surfaces of the gums and the arms 12 are then bent at 15 to a substantially V-shape, so that adjacent faces of the plates are so spaced that the pads 14 engage against the inner and outer surfaces of the gums at the same time. The ointment is applied to the pads 14 and applied to the gums. The device may be employed in gently massaging the gums during the application of the ointment thereto, if so desired. It will be ob vious that a device of this character may be readily and cheaply produced and may be readily formed to lit the mouth of the user. It will also be obvious that the construction thereof may be altered without in any manner departing from the spirit of my invention and I accordingly do not limit myself to such specific structure except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim 1. In a device for applying ointment or the like to the gums, spaced arcuate bars conforming to the shaping of the inner and outer faces. of the gums and substantially V- shaped arms connecting said bars, said bars having adjacent the free edges thereof longitudinally spaced openings adapted for the passage of portions of absorbent pads.

2. An ointment applicator comprising a plate having small openings formed therein and fibrous pads applied to one face of the plate at each opening, a portion of the libers of each pad being drawn through the opening to secure the pad to the plate.

3. An ointment applicator comprising a plate having small openings formed therein and fibrous pads applied to one face of the plate at each opening, a. portion of the fibers of each pad being drawn through the opening to secure the pad to the plate, said plate being formed of readily bendable material to enable its conformation to the surface to which the ointment is to be applied.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

OLIVES TEMPLE. 

